Upgrading from a Celeron to another Pentium III type processor requires some research.
Upgrades to computer processors admittedly can be difficult for inexperienced computer owners. While desktop Celeron processors are easily removed from the motherboard (for laptops this is much harder), knowing which kind of Intel Pentium III replacement chip will work with your motherboard isn't clear at first glance. You'll have to do some research into motherboards and processor types to complete this DIY project.
Instructions
1. Unplug all the rear cables from your computer and open the side cover. Depress the power button briefly to discharge any electricity from the motherboard. Make sure you have no static electricity built up in your body by "grounding" yourself: touch a metal object away from the computer.
2. Locate the active heat sink fan and/or the passive heat sink that protects and cools your processor chip. This heat sink will look something like a small metal radiator with fins. Remove the screws or clips holding the heat sink in place over the processor and gently lift the heat sink away. If the heat sink resists being removed, rock the heat sink off the processor gently: it's likely the thermal paste has hardened over the years. Once the heat sink is free, clean off any excess or old thermal paste from the bottom and set the heat sink aside.
3. Note the processor socket. A number will be molded into the plastic, such as "Socket 370" or some other designation. Write this number down as a guide to a potential replacement processor. The "Socket 370" number indicates that the slot is built to handle only Socket 370 design processor chips. If you find a label like "Socket 478," this means that only Socket 478 processors will work in this slot.
4. Lift the socket latch lock into the up position. This latch lock will be a rod about 1 inch long and made of metal or plastic. Remove the processor chip from the pin slot holder.
5. Note the information printed on the back of the processor. The type will be extremely tiny and you may need a magnifying glass to read it clearly. Copy down any numbers, and especially alpha-numeric information like "FC-PGA2." This specifies the "package type" for the motherboard, or at least the package type of this particular Celeron processor.
6. Locate your motherboard make and model number. This number is printed somewhere on the motherboard, usually in white block type. Write down this number.
7. Go on line and search for your motherboard model. Start with the manufacturer's support site, if one exists. You want to find a website that will tell you which processor package types will work on this motherboard in this slot.
8. Compare the package numbers on your chosen Pentium III processor upgrade chip with the package types allowed by your motherboard as shown on the website. If the package types don't match up, you cannot use this processor on this motherboard. Use the package type on the Celeron processor as a guide: if this package type worked before, look for the same package type on a suitable Pentium III processor.
9. Insert the replacement chip in the slot. Lock it down with the lever. Apply fresh thermal paste to the bottom of the heat sink. Place the heat sink on top of the processor and reinstall the holding screws or clips.
10. Reboot your machine. If you hear a series of beeps and then nothing happens, troubleshoot what could be wrong with your installation of the chip. The chip could be wrong for the motherboard, the thermal paste could be too thick or too thin, the heat sink could be too loose or the processor could be already "dead."
Tags: heat sink, package type, thermal paste, your motherboard, package types, will work, bottom heat